Universal machine for foundations

ABSTRACT

A universal machine for foundations for transporting and easily utilizing a work group, which machine includes a base on which a rotating turret is mounted, and an extendable frame for supporting the work group is mounted on the rotating turret so as to permit construction of foundations. The base of the machine has self-moving means such as, for example, a crawler-mounted base. For road transport, the work group and the extendable frame can be lowered, and a counterweight automatically provides the correct equilibrium.

United States Patent Casagrande s] 3,705,634 [451 Dec. 12, 1972 [54] UNIVERSAL MACHINE FOR FOUNDATIONS Inventor:

[72] Antonio Casagrande, via Trieste,

33077 Sacile, ltaly Filed: Aug. 14, 1970 Appl. No.: 63,894

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 14, 1969 Italy ..Lneoss A/69 US. Cl ..175/122, 173/28 Int. Cl ..E21'b 7/02, E216 5/06, E2lc 5/11 Field of Search ..l73/23, 28, 43, 57; 175/84,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1970 Newman et al ..1'73/28 X 5/1902 lnggolclsby 7/1953 Yost., ..173/28 X 2,631,013 3/1953 Darin ..175/173 2,904,310 9/1959 Leonard ....l75/l22 X 2,901,274 10/1959 Scott ..l73/28 X 3,089,550 5/1963 Watson ..l73/23 X 3,447,652 6/1969 Tipton ....175/321 X 3,576,218 4/1971 Lisenby ..173/28 Primary Examiner-David H. Brown Attorney-Craig and Antonelli 1 ABSTRACT A universal machine for foundations for transporting and easily utilizing a work group, which machine includes a base on which a rotating turret is mounted,

and an extendable frame for supporting the work group is mounted on'the rotating turret so as to permit construction of foundations. The base of the machine has self-moving means such as, for example, a crawlermounted base. For road transport, the work group and the extendable frame can be lowered, and a counterweight automatically provides the correct equilibrium.

40 Claims, 12 Drawing lFigures PATENTEU 12 I97? 3. 705 634 INVE NTOR ANTONIO CASAGRANDE BY Gala, Hm,

W 2r A L ATTORNFYS PATENTEDBEC 12 m2 3,705,634 sum 2 or s INVENTOR ANTONIO CASAGRANDE 3W k \QL ATTORNEYS PATENTED 2 9 3.705.634

sum 3 0r 6 H6. 5 INVENTOR ANTONIO CASAGRANDE BY CAQQQ,RML,WVRXLQD- ATTORNEYS PATENTEDBEB 12 1912 3.705.634 SHEET u or 6 PATENTEUUEE 12 I972 SHEET 5 BF 6 FIG. 7

ATTORNEYS;

PATENTED DEC 12 I972 SHEET B [If 6 INVENTOR momo CASAGRANDE UNIVERSAL MACHINE FOR FOUNDATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a universal machine for foundations, and more particularly, to a machine which serves to transport and easily utilize a work group which consists of a base on which a rotating turret is mounted and an extendable framework being mounted on the rotating turret for supporting the work group'so as to permit the construction of foundations with only one replacement of the auger or skip.

It would be best to summarize the techniques which are utilized in the execution of foundations based upon the assumption that the foundations may be pile foundations or diaphragm type foundations with rectilinear cross-section trenches. Depending on the soil, the pile foundations can be torch section, that is obtained by auger or by circular grab or skip or by rectangular grab or similar section. The auger is a tool for the execution of holes in the ground and is composed of an axis around which is arranged one or more spiral springs or coils. The toolfunctions by way of rotation about its axis of rotation which, when combined with an appropriate push downwardly, produces a rotation of the spiral springs into theground. After the auger has been sunk as deeply as possible into the soil depending on the type of auger and/or the ground conditions, it is axially raised each time and extracted from the hole without being rotated or maintaining the rotation thereof at a minimum. After the auger has been raised to expel the material contained between the spiral coils, a rotational velocity is imparted to the auger which is greater, i.e., double or more, to that of the work, thereby expelling the material by centrifugal force.

In its manner of working, the auger is adapted particularly for ground prevalently made up of consistent sand or potters clay. If the ground consists of alluviumous embankments or gravel, the auger becomes ineffective due to the inconsistency of the forming walls in the hole being dug. This inefficiency is accentuated by the working principle of the auger, which principle tends to restrain the material in' the spiral coil and therefore to urge the-only free wall, that is that in contact with the ground. It can then be understood that, in case of grave] or alluviumous ground, the auger is no longer useful because this would enlarge the hole in the radial sense without aiding in the excavation.

It then becomes necessary to continue by means of a grab or skip which is an implement composed of two flap valves which can be locked to encompass the load and maintained so duringtransport and removal for unloading. The skips can be of circular section, rectangular section and the like. With the skip, the ground is urged around the digging axes, and it is then possible to remove also incoherent ground. In practice, the geological layers are at intervals, thereby rendering it necessary to excavate more loads with the two tools alternating between them. It should be borne in mind that the half pile foundations are suitable for determinate constructions such as, for example, bridge or intermediate mansion foundations, while diaphragm or rectangular shaped foundations are necessary for engaging foundations or perimetrical foundations-in the situation where the foundation must also bear the push of the ground as well as the supporting of the building. The push of the ground is felt mainly by foundations in the proximity of roads, where the two contiguous soils have different densities.

In addition to upright trenches, one must often construct rectangular trenches or close trench foundations with conventional machines which utilize the skip or auger. The diaphragms or rectangular shaped trenches can be obtained continuously in strokes of between 2 and 6 meters, and the depth of the trenches may vary from 12 to 30 meters depending on the characteristics of the ground soil. If, for example, the ground tends to be rocky, discontinuous alternate trenches result and the walls of the excavation do not succeed in holding themselves up. Conversely, continuous trenches can be built in self-supporting ground. In the case of discontinuous trenches, trenches from between and 2 meters are dug, .then an identical space is jumped and another trench is dug and filled. The two trenches predisposed with steel cage and cement connect by means of an intermediate trench which process is repeated until the foundation is completed. It is clear, however, that the greater the length of the trench, the greater is the resistence to the pressure the foundation possesses. i

The skips or grabs for the foundations or trenches are maintained by ropes which, at half cuts in two gears, reduce the pull of lifting to an acceptable value by normal means and proportioned to the economy of the machine. The skips which are maintained by ropes must be of significant weight in order to come in contact with the ground so as to move material with a certain kinetic energy, which they only could acquire due to their weight force component and the distance they travel before coming into contact with the ground. The more compact the soil to be excavated, the more necessary it is to have this kinetic energy. The inconsistency of the walls is partly anulled by means of a mud chemical called Betonite which reacts with the ground amalgamates and creates an elantic pellicle of varying thicknesses and sufficient compactness. Besides the inconsistency of the walls, however, during the digging, there are two other possible inconveniences, that is phreatic layers and rocky layers.

When phreatic layers are present, the trench is filled with water and the trenching bucket or skip, regardless of its significant weight, often arrives in contact with the solid ground with its kinetic energy tempered or lessened. In this situation, it then becomes necessary to mount an implement formed by many punches or presses in place of the skip. The implement with many punches does not meet excessive resistence in water and therefore maintains almost entirely the kinetic energy necessary to crush the ground. By means of the implement, it is therefore possible to stress and crush the ground even in the presence of water layers, and it can then be raised with a skip which is substituted for the pressing implement after sufficient material has been prepared. In the case of the crossing of layers and in the presence of compact ground, the digging then proceeds by alternating awls at each crushing with the skip, thereby resulting in a great loss of time since the two tools must be substituted very often and the skip possesses only kinetic energy which it manages to create with its own weight force component.

The same is true in the case of rocky ground on which the kinetic energy of the skip only manages to make small scratches when closing the flap valve of the skip. Its teeth finish by creating a bed in which they run without removing any material so that in this case resort must also be had to earth crushing awls. From the above, it becomes clear that the conventional machines result in the following inconveniences: two or more machines are necessary in order to execute all of the above-described work; the machine must have significant dimensions in order to provide the elevated height necessary for providing the necessary kinetic energy to the skip and the awls; the machines are extremely slow, with consequent excessive loss of time, in

the case of pile foundations that have to cross gritty oralluviumous ground; the machines have excessive skip weight which is necessary to furnish them with kinetic energy needed by half piles; the machines have difficulty in the construction of angular trenches on existing construction because of the necessity to restart the machine each time; there is difficulty of working in the case of a phreatic layer crossing with the trench for the consequent enlargement of the trench, which enlargement can also anull the kinetic energy of the skip in the presence of certain water levels; and there is difficulty of working in the case of the presence of rocky ground since the skip tends to form a cradle in which it moves its valves without taking away any material. This brings frequent substitutions with other rock-bearing equipment necessary to carry out the excavation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the aim of thepresent invention to overcome the problems and disadvantages of the prior art devices by providing a machine which permits the construction of foundations, whether half pile or half diagram or a combination thereof, with only replacement of the auger and the skip so as to replace the two or more machines which, until now, were necessary in maintaining a constructive simplicity of mounting and significant work.

It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a machine which is able to perform corner, wall guard or existing foundation diaphragms by simply turning the turret on which the standard is installed. Furthermore, the machine in accordance with the present invention can be transported'by reentering the road in the permitted road template.

The underlying problems are solved in accordance with the present invention by providing a machine having a crawler-mounted base but which can also be equipped with appropriate tires or simply a base carrying the supports for the equipment unit and the legs of support on the reaction feet to the tiltable component of overturn push and created by the work unit group during the perforation operation.

The propulsion unit and sources of energy needed to activate the work group have their bearings in the selfmoving means. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the work unit functions exclusively by means of fluid pressure circuits, particularly hydraulic oil. But this could also be accomplished by doubling of the fluid functioning groups with electrical functioning groups so that in this case the winches and the rotary engines or motors of the table could be electrically ,controlled. This doubling of two or more sources of different energy is within the scope and the nature of the present invention and, for reasons of simplicity,- the present invention will be described utilizing only fluid as the energy source.

The self-moving means has appropriate legs which, in the phase of installation for work readiness, open in order to augment the moment of reaction of the system to the overturn push generated by the work group. The legs may be two or more in number, that is according to the constructive concept to be followed and the consequent disposition of the centers of gravity, both static and dynamic. For tracked means having a normal sense of advancement, besides the conventional reverse, and admitting for the work group an angulation of 45 and 45, but which could be and 90 or an intermediate value, inrespect to the axis of advancement, one can already foresee a dimensioning of the tracks, the ballast and the reaction legs which is apt to win or succeed the overturning component that can fall only within a certain angle. If the work group is to have a rotation of 360, it will be necessary to utilize another constructive concept instead of the turret carrying the work group, since the overturn push can assume whatever angulation in respect to the center line of the turret such that, in this case, the transport group can have double gear sense. Here, the present invention is qualified to work for a rotation of 360.

For road transport, both the work group and the relative support lattice can be lowered. In this case, the whole structure amply re-enters into the road template permitted for normal vehicles with jutting loads. When it is in the road travelling position, the chassis is rotated to the back and is fixed at the base at three points, two of the points being the rotation pins and the third point being the point of anchorage of the stiffening rafter.

The work group is also maintained and rigidly fixed so as not to pressure in an abnormal way. When'the structure of lattice carrying the work group is lifted by means of the jacks, a counterweight is automatically moved away from the center of the footstep bearing, thereby providing the correct equilibrium so as to counterbalance, according to the footstep bearing, the off-center load which is generated by the protruding and overhanging work group. The control of the counterweight takes place, for example, by means of appropriate drives controlled in parallel with those which provide the rotation of the structure carrying the work group. The structure permits the work group to operate not only in the characteristic vertical sense but also at a certain angulation so as to be able to adapt to every condition and requirement either of the ground or the foundations. The orientation of the work group can be accomplished on only one plane as is the case under discussion or on any plane. This second possibility is obtained by applying a double cross pivot axis which is known to those skilled in the art. To simplify the understanding of the present invention, however, I shall only deal with the case of the orientation of the work group only one plane but it is to be clearly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING These and further features, aims and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which shows, for pur poses of illustration only, an embodiment in accordance with the present invention and wherein:

I FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine in accordance with the present invention in a phase of working wherein the boring drill or auger has been applied;

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the system for. controlling the command of the counterweight and. rotating the support lattice; I

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the machine of the present invention in position for transport; p

FIG. 4 is aside view of the system for thefstiffening during the transport of the working group;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the working group in the position of maximum extension of the protrusions;

, FIG. 6 is a partial front view of the working group illustrating the groups of winches and'pusliers;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectionalview of the kinetic energy absorbing group used during descent of the extensions;

FIG. 8 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the control unit for the rotation of the table, the winch group and the locking control of the first extension;

FIG. 9 is apartial, cross-sectional view of the locking system of the second extension bar;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the rotating distributor for the control of the winches with fixed piping for control of rotation motors of the work table; i

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the boring tool or auger with a descent damper indicated and an examplary system of rapid hooking of the second return or tailrope; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the skip or grab in accordance with the present invention having a smaller weight and complexity than the conventional grab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Referring now to the drawing and, in particular. to FIG. 1, there is shown a self-moving means 1 on which is mounted the footstep rotation bearing 2, the energy supplying group 3 and the supplementary retractable reaction feet 4. On the rotation bearing 2, there is a basement 5 on which are connected the hammer 6 sustaining the carrying structure 7, the counterbalance 8 with the means 9 for activating it, the pushers l0 and the stiffening rods or rafters ll. Carrying structure 7 can rotate about axis 12 on hammer 6 and is activated by pushers 10 into working position. The structure 7 is stiffened with rod llby means of pivots l3 and 14. A cabin 15 to accommodate the machine operator is further provided on basement 5. I

I In FIG. 2, there is shown an example of mechanical means 9 which is adapted to control the positioning of the counterweight directly in relation to the position assumed by the carrying structure 7. The means consist of lever 9 which, due to the rotation of the structure about axis 12, moves its pivot at one end from 19 to 19', thereby. consequently moving molded rod 20 fixedly attached to counterweight 8 rectilinearly. The

whole machine is shown in the transport position in FIG. 3. Structure 7, with stiffening rodsv 11 removed due to the necessity of activating pushers 10, has been lowered until the eyelet 23, as shown in FIG.'1, has

- coincided with the hole of the. member where the pin 13 is lodged. At this point, the two holes are connected by means of the pin 13. While the structure 7 descends, counterweight 8 has re-entered, although inthe illustration thisappears to have entered partially. It is to be remembered, however, that this is only an exemplary illustration and, in practice, the counterweight assumes any position which will balance the footstep bearing. With the structure 7 fixed, as seen in FIG. 4, a tool post member 22 is slipped onto the same. Therefore, ac-

tivating piston 18 lowers the work group so as to lay in I the member 22, and once in position the whole structureis fixed by means of eyelet 23. After this operation has been executed, the whole machine is ready to move freely. If the machine travels by road, a plate for jutting loads will be hung and on the back a bumper 24 with regulation apertures and whatever else required by law is provided. x t

. Referring now to FIG. 5,.work unit 16 is shown in cross-section and is composed of a fixed hollow housing 24 which is sustained at the structure by pivot means 21 and is held in guide by means of gibs 25 with housing 26 being axially movable and activated by pushers l7, 17' as illustrated in FIG. 6. A rotating distributor 27, as shown in FIG. 10, is provided on housing At the top of the structure7 is provided a work group 26 and is composed of two parts fixedly connected to the housing 26 with one of the parts being rotatable. The mobile housing 26 brings a metal plate 28 forward to the bore, on which plate two motors 29, 30 are mounted. By means of bearings 31 with tooth formations on the internal diameter thereof, the rotary plate 32 is sustained and is rigidly connected to hollow housing 33 which contains the first extension 34. Hollow housing 33 and the extensions can have an axial section of various forms, but in the illustrated form they have a square section or approximately a square section. The connection between housing 33 and the first extension 34 is accomplished by means of dampers 35 which serve to absorb kinetic energy that the extensions may acquire during the empty descent or for a sudden giving of the ground under the machine when in operation. In-

. side the first extension 34 is provided a guide 36 that contains and guides the second extension 37. The connection between extension 34 and guide 36 is accomplished by'means of dampers 38 which absorb the kinetic energy of the extensions successive to the first one. The second extension also contains a guide 39 which serves to contain the third extension 40 and in these extensions, dampers 38' are provided.

Housing 33 is guidably held not only by the rigid connection with plate 32 but also by collar 41 which is fixed to housing 24 by means of a footstep bearing 42. The angular oscillation of the work group 16 is attained, as mentioned above, by piston means 18 which is fixed by pin 43 provided in carrying structure 7 and acts through lever 44by means of pin 45, with the lever 44 being solid with housing 24. The two motors 29, 30 each have a gear connected at the shaft although the gears have a different number of teeth so that, in the housing in question, the ratio is approximately 1:2. The two gears, respectively, for motor 29 and 46 for motor 30 are in mesh with the internal tooth formation of footstep bearing 31, and while gear 46' is solidly fixed to the axle of motor 30, the gear 46 is solidly fixed .to the axle of motor 30, the gear 46 has a free wheeling connection to the axis of motor 29, the function and purpose of such free-wheeling device being described later. j

Two winches 47 and 48 are mounted under revolving plate 32 and respectively control the ropes 49'and 50. In particular,'cable rope 49 serves to control the openingand'closing of the skip or grab and to assist in the upward return along with cable rope 50 which, in turn, serves both to control the climb and descent, in addition to effecting the rigid anchorage provided between the revolving plate 32 and the first extension 34 and also between different extensions to be discussed later. The revolving ring in distributor 27 revolves the same number of cycles as the revolving plate 32, which is obtained due to the rigid connection 51 provided between the two parts. FIG. 6 illustrates both the connection between the fixed housing 24 and the mobile'housing 26 and the winch 48. Shafts 21, 21' are provided in fixed housing 24 and extend outwardly therefrom with the extensions of the carrying structure 7 mounted on the shafts.- Oscillating bushings are provided at this mounting to allow the carrying structure to resume its normal position, and the hinge wings of the pushers 17, 17' are also mounted with interposed oscillating bushings. By sending fluid pressure through the head piping at entrance 53 of pusher 17, the cover of the pusher will descend and I the force thereof will act through bolts 55, to housing 26, thereafter to plates 28 and 32, and finally to extensions 34, 37 and 40. On the other hand, the whole structure will be relifted by introducing the fluid pressure through entrance 54. The design of the pusher is such that ring 42 will lightly touch the collar 41. The winches 47, 48 which are mounted on plate 32 consist of a drum 56 with a reducer 57, a motor 58 and, if desired, a continuous brake 59.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the connection of the dampers between housing 33 and the first extension 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the dampers are essentially rubber springs, but could also be cup springs or spiral springs within the spirit of the present invention. Screws 60 are fixed on roof 100 and discharge the resulting kinetic energy through springs 62 which are fixed on plate 101 by means of nuts 61. When the extensions are lowered, if extension 34 is the heaviest, ring 102 will first descent since it is solid with plate 101 and will reach contact .with housing 33, thereby putting housing 33 in drive with plate 101. Roof 100 of extension 34 will transmit the kinetic energy acquired from the extension to the screws 60, and the kinetic energy is discharged on springs 62 which remain compressed between nuts 61 and plate 101.

FIG. 8 shows both the .motor 29 and the winch 48. The motor 29 is mounted on fixed plate 28 and has a free wheeling device 64 interposed between the axle and gear or cog wheel 46. The motor transmission 63 between motor 29 and the cog wheel 46 is at the mobile part of footstep bearing 31 which meshes with the opposite teeth, and the transmission rotates in only one rotary direction. On the other hand, motor 30 can work on the mobile part of the footstep bearing in both directions and gear 46' has more teeth than gear or cog wheel 46. v

The rigid connection between mobile plate 32 and the first extension 34 is obtained by means of an automatic latch. One latch 65 is movably mounted in guide member 66 and is pressed against the extension 34 by bias meanssuch as, for example, spring 67. This latch 65 engages in the detents or heels of extension 34, thereby rigidly connecting the extension 34 with mobile plate 32 and housing 33. This rigid connection comes about only if rope 50 is free since, if it is tight, it will shortly create a pull on roller 68 which, in turn, will transmit the movement to lever 69 which is operatively connected to member 70 so as to push back latch 65. A similar function is performed by latch 65' which rigidly connects the first extension 34 to the second extension 37, and likewise between the second and third extensions (not shown).

FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the rotary distributor 27 consisting of two parts, that is a fixed part connected to the mobile housing 26 and a rotating part 72 which is caused to rotate by means of rigid connection 51. In the fixed part are the different lines for conveying the fluid energy, or the return lines that come from or go to the control cabin 15. Some lines cross the fixed part while others stop at different heights so that line 73 coincides with the annular canals provided on the internal surface of rotary part 72 and connected to outlet 73. Thus, there is provided two plus two lines for the rotating distributor servingto feed the winches, and two plus two lines that cross the rotating distributor serving to feed motors 29, 30.

The rotating part 72 of the distributor is supported by a footstep bearing 74 which leans on support 75 which permits ducts to be provided through the rotary distributor such as, for example, those indicated at 76, 76' in order to connect themselves to the corresponding motors 29, 30. It should also be clear, however, that both the latch and the rotary distributor can be constructed in a different form within the knowledge of one having ordinary skill in the art but which attains the desired results of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 11, the plate 77 is anchored to the third or last extension 40 by means of dampers 38, which plate provides a suitable mounting for the bore 78 constructed in a conventional mariner with point 79, intervalled teeth 80 and a double auger screw 81. Plate 77 also provides a suitable mounting which is suitable for the skip used for trenches as shown in FIG. 12. On the third extension 40 is also provided, at one side thereof, an appropriate mounting for cable50, while at the other side is provided a similar mounting for cable 49 but in this instance the mounting includes a stitch which provides a rapid hinging at 89 so as to connect the cable 49. v

The skip, as shown in FIG. 12, essentially consists of two parts. One part consists of two flap valves 83,83 having joggled teeth, and the second part 84 provides the support for the skip. In the support part84, the lever 86 is hinged at 85 andhas pulley87 connected at its extremity, which pulley has cable 49 wound therearound. The cable 49 runs in guidepulleys 88 and is fixedly anchored at point 89 so as to support the skip at support .part 84. Lever 86 is connected with the two connecting guide rods 91, 92 at point 90. The rods91, 92 transmit movement tolevers 93, 94 which, in turn, are solidly connected to flap valves83, 83' hingedly connected at points, 95, 95 By rotating thepulley 87 so as to cause the lever 86 to rotate from the solid line position to the dashed line position in FIG. 12, flap valves 83, 83' will be rotated around pivots 95, 95' so as to thereby close upon itself. The illustrated skip is preferably used for trenches and diaphragm or rectilinear foundation structures but, when constructed in annular form, can also be utilized for excavations of pole foundations in alluviumous or in rocky. ground.

The operation of the device will now be set forth. To further the understanding of the present invention, it is better to consider the case of pole foundations andthe case of diaphragm or rectilinear shaped foundations separately, although it should be remembered that the machine of the present invention is universal and can be adapted from one type of foundation to the other with only the substitution of a skip for the bore or vice versa.

When pole foundations are required, the bore is used. However, special problems arise in two specific ways when sticky ground is present or when alluviumous or rocky ground and the presence of rocky layers. In these cases, it is not feasible to use the bore. Thus, it

will now be described how the present invention operates in excavating upon first meeting a sticky layer and then a rocky layer. With the bore 78 mounted, the perforation of the ground is begun by first orienting the rotating platform 2 and then bringing work group 16 into the required position by means of pistons 18. With the bore positioned the winch 48 is activated, thereby leaving the extensions to run until the bore 78 contacts the soil to provide a stable arrangement. Then, the cable 50 is loosened and the latches 65, 65' etc. make the pole structure rigid. If the motors have not already been started, they will be put into action, and both having the same characteristics, motor will be the receiving and aiding engine because the moments they transmit are proportional to the dimensions of the gear or cog wheel. Therefore, plate 32 and the extensions will turn upstream of the work. Upon reaching the soil, the bore 78 takes, in addition to a rotary movement, a pushing axial movement produced by pushers 17, 17'. After the bore has been sunk into a certain quantity of soil, the rotary motion will be stopped or greatly reduced and the bore lifted by means of winches 47, 48 functioning together, and activating winch 48 on cable 50 keeps the latches unhinged, thereby allowing the extensions to reascend.

With the bore raised out of the ground, the platform 2 is activated" to rotate through a certain angle and therefore blocks motor 29 while onlymotor 30 continues to function. Through gear 46, a velocity of approximately double to that of thework furnishes to the material the necessary centrifugal force which is sufficient to disbursethe material out of the bore. When the bore comes into contact with sticky ground, it is sufficientto only, disconnect the connection between plate 77 and bore 78 and to mount a skip having a circular section, also taking care to separate 49, 49' and connecting instead 49" which operation takes only a very few minutes.

The circular skip penetrates intoa sticky ground and develops only an axial push which allows the excavationto proceed. When valves 83 have arrived in contact with the soil, cable gives the warning and the pushers 17 are activated so as to sink the valves into the ground and action winch 47. Cable 49 is put into tension so as to close the valves when fullof material. With the closed valves, the two winches 47, 48 can be made to operate in tandem and the circularskip is taken out and raised to the required height. By operating the winch 47 then, the cable 49 will be loosened and the skip will unload the material upon opening the valves. This operation continues until the inconsistent ground has been passed, the bore is remounted because it is quicker. Otherwise, the circular skip is left mounted when, for example, rocky ground is being excavated. Upon finding rocky ground, the circular skip is put into contact with this and then is made to rotate by activating motor 29. This rotation allows the joggled teeth of the circular skip to act as a rock cutter, and the action isaccentuated by theoperation of pushers 17 will press the circular skip against the rock. The teeth of the circular skip can then penetrate into the layer of rocky ground and can grip and dissect a portion of the layer. This operation is repeated until the layer is passed or until a sufficiently solid anchorage is guaranteed.

In the case of excavationtrenches for diaphragms, or rectilinear trenches a skip having rectangular sections with the required dimensions as to length and width is used and functions in a manner analogus to the circular skip described above with, however, the sole exception that the excavation is all'done. by the rectangular skip and without rotation thereof, except for a minimum value and in exceptional cases. To excavate a trench close to existing foundations, the work group 16 is oriented in advance and the rectangular skip is placed either with the long sides parallel to the axle constituted by structure 7 and work group 16 so as to operate at a slight incline and for progressive correction of the angle of inclination of work group 16. It is thereby also possible to operate when existing construction on the foundation is elevated significantly from the soil. If it is not so elevated, an extension can be mounted between parts A and B of carrying structure 7 shown in FIG. 1 and substituting stiffening rod 11 so that the group 16 can work in the vertical direction without plates having to meet obstacles.

If it is desired to excavate trenches at an angle, it is sufficient to move turret 2 without having to move all of the machine because it is sufficient to put the carrying structure 7 perpendicular to the other positioned by the center line of the corner. The same is true for tormented trenches, and it is not necessary to move the entire machine but merely to orient the turrets by means of pusher 10, rod 11 and piston 18. On machines which specifically execute tormented trenches or pole foundations which are extremely irregular, only one relief and contrast piston can be applied in lieu of rod 11 and pusher 10, which relief and contrastpiston directly moves on pin 14 giving adequate reaction. As can therefore be seen, the present invention provides a universal machine which results in great savings both in the aquisition and the performance of work.

While I have shown and described an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it is to be clearly understood that the same is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and therefore, I do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

'1 claim:

1. Universal machine for construction of foundations, comprising: base means; work group means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations;

support means operatively connected between the base means and the work group means; and first pusher means for pushing the work group means into operating relationship with the ground; said support means being rotatably mounted at said base means for rotating said work group means to a desired orientation, said work group means being pivotably mounted at said support means, said work group means comprising housing means including a first housing structure pivotably supported at said support means and a second housing structure relatively movable in a substantially axial direction with respect to said first housing structure, wherein first plate means are fixedly connected with said second housing structure, and wherein a plurality of motor means are mounted at said first plate means.

2. Universal machine according to claim 1, wherein gear means are operatively associated with each of said motor means, and free-wheeling means is provided between one of said motor means and its associated gear means.

3. Universal machine according to claim 2, wherein the gear means connected with said one of said motor means has a different number of teeth than the gear means associated with said other motor means in a ratio of approximately 1:2.

4. Universal machine according to claim 3, wherein said gear means are operatively connected with second plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said first plate means, and said housing means further including a third housing structure rigidly connected at said second plate means.

5. Universal machine according to claim 4, wherein said third housing structure is operatively connected with extension means for lowering a tool of said work group means toward the ground.

6. Universal machine according to claim 5, wherein said extension means includes a first extension telescopically operatively connected within said third housing structure, a second extension telescopically movable within said first extension, and a third extension telescopically movable within said second extension.

7. Universal machine according to claim 6, wherein said one of said motor means rotates in only one direction while said other motor means rotates in both directions.

8. Universal machine according to claim 1, wherein second plate means is rotatably mounted with respect to said first plate means, and said housing means further includes a third housing structure rigidly connected at said second plate means.

9. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein said first pusher means is operatively connected between said first and second housing structure for providing the relative substantially axial movement therebetween.

10. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to operate a tool of said work group means and to raise and lower the tool as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith.

11. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein said third housing structure is operatively connected with extension means for lowering a tool of said work group means toward the ground.

12. Universal machine according to claim 11, wherein said extension means includes a first extension telescopically operatively, connected within said third housing structure, a second extension telescopically movable within said first extension, and a third extension telescopically movable within said second extension.

13. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein kinetic energy-absorbing damping means are provided between said third housing structure and said first extension and each of said extensions.

14. Universal machine according to claim 13, wherein said first pusher means is operatively connected between said first and second housing structure for providing the relative substantially axial movement therebetween.

15. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein latch means are provided between said third housing structure and said first extension and each of said extensions for selectively maintaining a rigid connection therebetween.

16. Universal machine according to claim 15,

wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to operate a tool of said work group means and to raise and lower the tool as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith, and wherein each of said latch means includes a relatively movable latch member held in latching engagement by bias means, and said cable means being operative, upon being tightened, to move said latch member against the biasing means to effect disengagement thereof.

17. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein third plate means is operatively connected with said third extension for mounting the tool of said work group means.

18. Universal machine according to claim 17, wherein the tool is a bore having a double auger screw, intervalled teeth and a point at the ground-contacting end thereof.

19. Universal machine according to claim 17, wherein the tool is a skip having a plurality of closeable flap valves and means operatively connected with said third plate means for support of the valves.

20. Universal machine according to claim 19, wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to open and close the tool of said work group means andfto raise and lower the same as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith.

21. Universal machine according to claim 20, wherein said cable means is operatively connected with said closeable flap valves to effect the closing thereof by raising said cable means.

22. Universal machine for construction of foundations, comprising: base means, excavating means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations; support means operatively arranged between the base means and the excavating means, said support means including: a plurality of concentric telescopic shaft means axially slidable with respect to one another along a shaft axis, the lowermost of said shaft means being connected directly to an upper part of said excavating means and the uppermost of said shaft means being rotatively fixed to a first housing means, second housing means surrounding a portion of said uppermost shaft means, boom structure having one end attached to said base means and the other end attached to the second housing means, said second housing means being attached to prevent relative movement in the direction of the shaft axis with respect to said other end of the boom structure, and connecting means connecting said first housing means to said second housing means with relative rotational and axial movement therebetween; elevating means for raising and lowering the lowermost shaft means with respect to said second housing means, said elevating means including cable means having one end attached to said lowermost shaft means and the other end connected to winch means; and releasable locking means for releasably locking said shaft means against relative axial movement with respect to one another, said locking means including release means controlled by the cable means of said elevating means.

23. A machine according to claim 22, wherein rotating means are provided for rotating said first housing means with respect to said second housing means, said rotating means being mounted on a third housing means for axial movement with respect to said second housing means.

24. A machine according to claim 23, wherein rotating means are provided for rotating saidfirst housing means with respect to said second housing means, said rotating means being mounted for axial movement with said first housing means with respect to said second housing means.

25. A machine according to claim 24, wherein a fluid distribution means is mounted for axial movement with said first housing means, said fluid distribution means including means for supplying driving fluid to both said rotating means and to said winches.

26. A machine according to claim 22, wherein said locking means includes at least one latching mechanism for eachtelescoping connection between the respective shaft means, wherein said latching mechanisms each include means for locking said shaft together when said cable means is in a position other than a position corresponding to the raising and lowering operations, and wherein said release means includes means for releasing each of said latching mechanisms when said cable means is in a position corresponding to the raising and lowering operations.

27. A machine according to claim 26, wherein said winch means includes first and second windable winch mechanisms, and wherein said cable means includes first and second cables, said first cable extending uninterruptedly between the first winch mechanism and said lowermost shaft means, said second cable extending from said second winch mechanism through the means for releasing each of said latching mechanisms to said lowermost shaft means in such'a manner that the latching mechanisms are released when said second cable is pulled taught by said second winch mechanism.

28. A machine according to claim 27, wherein said excavating means is a skip having pivotable jaws, and wherein said first winch mechanism and first cable are operatively connected to said jaws for causing pivotal motion thereof.

29. A machine according to claim 27, wherein said winch means are mounted on a rigid plate, said rigid platebeing connected to said first housing means for rotation with said first housing means.

30. A machine according to claim 27, wherein both said first and second winch means cooperate in raising said lowermost shaft means by way of said first and second cable means.

31. A machine according to claim 30, wherein said excavating means is a skip having pivotable jaws, and wherein said winch mechanism and first cable are operatively connected to said jaws for causing pivotal motion thereof.

32. Universal machine for construction of foundations, comprising: base means; excavating means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations; support means operatively arranged between the base means and the excavating means, said support means including: a plurality of concentric telescopic shaft means axially slidable with respect to one another along a shaft axis, the lowermost of said shaft means being connected directly to an upper part of said excavating means and the uppermost of said shaft means being rotatively fixed to a first housing means, second housing means surrounding a portion of said uppermost shaft means, boom structure having one end attached to said base means and the other end attached to the second housing means, said second housing means being attached to prevent relative movement in the direction of the shaft axis with respect to said other end of the boom structure, and connecting means connecting said first housing means to said second housing means with relative rotational and axial movement therebetween; said connecting means including a third housing means interposed between said first and second housing means, said third housing means being axially slidable with respect to said second housing means and being rotatably fixed to said second housing means, said third housing means being rotatably movable with respect to said first housing means and being axially fixed to said first housing means; and rotating means supported on said third housing means for imparting relative rotative, movement between said first and third housing means, whereby said first housing means and associated shaft means and excavation means are rotated with respect to said second housing means. I

33. A machine according to claim 32, wherein said rotating means includes: at least one motor,,first gear means rotatably driven by said motor, and second gear means mounted on said first housing means for intermeshing driving engagement with said first gear means.

34. A machine according to claim 32, wherein the upper part of said excavating means is constructed as a mounting plate for interchangeably mounting a skip having pivotal jaws and an auger, and wherein elevating means are provided for raising and lowering the lowermost shaft means with respect to said second housing means, said elevating means including cable means having one end attached to said lowermost shaft means and the other end connected to winch means.

35. A machine according to claim 34, wherein said winch means includes first and second windable winch mechanisms, and wherein said cable means includes first and second cables, said first cable extending between said first winch mechanism and the lowermost shaft means and including an extension for operating the jaws of a skip mounted at the mounting plate, said second cable extending from said second winch mechanism to said lowermost shaft means, and wherein control means are providing for sequentially controlling the winch'means to operate the jaws of the skip wno on said third housing means, a first gear rotatablyv driven by one motor, a second gear rotatably driven by the other motor, and a third gear mounted on said first housing means for driving interengagement with said first and second gear.

38. A machine according to claim 37, wherein the gear ratio between the first and third gears is different than the gear ratio between the second and third gears by a factor of approximately 2: l.

39. A machine according to claim 38, wherein the second gear is drivingly connected to said other motor by way of a one-way free wheeling device.

40. A machine according to claim 39, wherein said third gear is arranged on the inner circumference of a footstep bearing positioned between said first and third housing means.

l l060l0 02l2 

1. Universal machine for construction of foundaTions, comprising: base means; work group means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations; support means operatively connected between the base means and the work group means; and first pusher means for pushing the work group means into operating relationship with the ground; said support means being rotatably mounted at said base means for rotating said work group means to a desired orientation, said work group means being pivotably mounted at said support means, said work group means comprising housing means including a first housing structure pivotably supported at said support means and a second housing structure relatively movable in a substantially axial direction with respect to said first housing structure, wherein first plate means are fixedly connected with said second housing structure, and wherein a plurality of motor means are mounted at said first plate means.
 2. Universal machine according to claim 1, wherein gear means are operatively associated with each of said motor means, and free-wheeling means is provided between one of said motor means and its associated gear means.
 3. Universal machine according to claim 2, wherein the gear means connected with said one of said motor means has a different number of teeth than the gear means associated with said other motor means in a ratio of approximately 1:2.
 4. Universal machine according to claim 3, wherein said gear means are operatively connected with second plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said first plate means, and said housing means further including a third housing structure rigidly connected at said second plate means.
 5. Universal machine according to claim 4, wherein said third housing structure is operatively connected with extension means for lowering a tool of said work group means toward the ground.
 6. Universal machine according to claim 5, wherein said extension means includes a first extension telescopically operatively connected within said third housing structure, a second extension telescopically movable within said first extension, and a third extension telescopically movable within said second extension.
 7. Universal machine according to claim 6, wherein said one of said motor means rotates in only one direction while said other motor means rotates in both directions.
 8. Universal machine according to claim 1, wherein second plate means is rotatably mounted with respect to said first plate means, and said housing means further includes a third housing structure rigidly connected at said second plate means.
 9. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein said first pusher means is operatively connected between said first and second housing structure for providing the relative substantially axial movement therebetween.
 10. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to operate a tool of said work group means and to raise and lower the tool as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith.
 10. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein latch means are provided between said third housing structure and said first extension and each of said extensions for selectively maintaining a rigid connection therebetween.
 11. Universal machine according to claim 8, wherein said third housing structure is operatively connected with extension means for lowering a tool of said work group means toward the ground.
 12. Universal machine according to claim 11, wherein said extension means includes a first extension telescopically operatively connected within said third housing structure, a second extension telescopically movable within said first extension, and a third extension telescopically movable within said second extension.
 13. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein kinetic energy-absorbing damping means are provided between said third housing structure and said first extension and each of said extensions.
 14. Universal machine according to claim 13, wherein said first pusher means is operatively connected between said first and second housing structure for providing the relative Substantially axial movement therebetween.
 16. Universal machine according to claim 15, wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to operate a tool of said work group means and to raise and lower the tool as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith, and wherein each of said latch means includes a relatively movable latch member held in latching engagement by bias means, and said cable means being operative, upon being tightened, to move said latch member against the biasing means to effect disengagement thereof.
 17. Universal machine according to claim 12, wherein third plate means is operatively connected with said third extension for mounting the tool of said work group means.
 18. Universal machine according to claim 17, wherein the tool is a bore having a double auger screw, intervalled teeth and a point at the ground-contacting end thereof.
 19. Universal machine according to claim 17, wherein the tool is a skip having a plurality of closeable flap valves and means operatively connected with said third plate means for support of the valves.
 20. Universal machine according to claim 19, wherein winch means are provided at said second plate means for controlling cable means serving to open and close the tool of said work group means and to raise and lower the same as well as effect a rigid connection between said second plate means and extension means telescopically associated therewith.
 21. Universal machine according to claim 20, wherein said cable means is operatively connected with said closeable flap valves to effect the closing thereof by raising said cable means.
 22. Universal machine for construction of foundations, comprising: base means, excavating means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations; support means operatively arranged between the base means and the excavating means, said support means including: a plurality of concentric telescopic shaft means axially slidable with respect to one another along a shaft axis, the lowermost of said shaft means being connected directly to an upper part of said excavating means and the uppermost of said shaft means being rotatively fixed to a first housing means, second housing means surrounding a portion of said uppermost shaft means, boom structure having one end attached to said base means and the other end attached to the second housing means, said second housing means being attached to prevent relative movement in the direction of the shaft axis with respect to said other end of the boom structure, and connecting means connecting said first housing means to said second housing means with relative rotational and axial movement therebetween; elevating means for raising and lowering the lowermost shaft means with respect to said second housing means, said elevating means including cable means having one end attached to said lowermost shaft means and the other end connected to winch means; and releasable locking means for releasably locking said shaft means against relative axial movement with respect to one another, said locking means including release means controlled by the cable means of said elevating means.
 23. A machine according to claim 22, wherein rotating means are provided for rotating said first housing means with respect to said second housing means, said rotating means being mounted on a third housing means for axial movement with respect to said second housing means.
 24. A machine according to claim 23, wherein rotating means are provided for rotating said first housing means with respect to said second housing means, said rotating means being mounted for axial movement with said first housing means wIth respect to said second housing means.
 25. A machine according to claim 24, wherein a fluid distribution means is mounted for axial movement with said first housing means, said fluid distribution means including means for supplying driving fluid to both said rotating means and to said winches.
 26. A machine according to claim 22, wherein said locking means includes at least one latching mechanism for each telescoping connection between the respective shaft means, wherein said latching mechanisms each include means for locking said shaft together when said cable means is in a position other than a position corresponding to the raising and lowering operations, and wherein said release means includes means for releasing each of said latching mechanisms when said cable means is in a position corresponding to the raising and lowering operations.
 27. A machine according to claim 26, wherein said winch means includes first and second windable winch mechanisms, and wherein said cable means includes first and second cables, said first cable extending uninterruptedly between the first winch mechanism and said lowermost shaft means, said second cable extending from said second winch mechanism through the means for releasing each of said latching mechanisms to said lowermost shaft means in such a manner that the latching mechanisms are released when said second cable is pulled taught by said second winch mechanism.
 28. A machine according to claim 27, wherein said excavating means is a skip having pivotable jaws, and wherein said first winch mechanism and first cable are operatively connected to said jaws for causing pivotal motion thereof.
 29. A machine according to claim 27, wherein said winch means are mounted on a rigid plate, said rigid plate being connected to said first housing means for rotation with said first housing means.
 30. A machine according to claim 27, wherein both said first and second winch means cooperate in raising said lowermost shaft means by way of said first and second cable means.
 31. A machine according to claim 30, wherein said excavating means is a skip having pivotable jaws, and wherein said winch mechanism and first cable are operatively connected to said jaws for causing pivotal motion thereof.
 32. Universal machine for construction of foundations, comprising: base means; excavating means for excavating the ground to construct the foundations; support means operatively arranged between the base means and the excavating means, said support means including: a plurality of concentric telescopic shaft means axially slidable with respect to one another along a shaft axis, the lowermost of said shaft means being connected directly to an upper part of said excavating means and the uppermost of said shaft means being rotatively fixed to a first housing means, second housing means surrounding a portion of said uppermost shaft means, boom structure having one end attached to said base means and the other end attached to the second housing means, said second housing means being attached to prevent relative movement in the direction of the shaft axis with respect to said other end of the boom structure, and connecting means connecting said first housing means to said second housing means with relative rotational and axial movement therebetween; said connecting means including a third housing means interposed between said first and second housing means, said third housing means being axially slidable with respect to said second housing means and being rotatably fixed to said second housing means, said third housing means being rotatably movable with respect to said first housing means and being axially fixed to said first housing means; and rotating means supported on said third housing means for imparting relative rotative movement between said first and third housing means, whereby said first housing means and associated shaft means and excavation means are rotated with respect to said second housing means.
 33. A machine according to cLaim 32, wherein said rotating means includes: at least one motor, first gear means rotatably driven by said motor, and second gear means mounted on said first housing means for intermeshing driving engagement with said first gear means.
 34. A machine according to claim 32, wherein the upper part of said excavating means is constructed as a mounting plate for interchangeably mounting a skip having pivotal jaws and an auger, and wherein elevating means are provided for raising and lowering the lowermost shaft means with respect to said second housing means, said elevating means including cable means having one end attached to said lowermost shaft means and the other end connected to winch means.
 35. A machine according to claim 34, wherein said winch means includes first and second windable winch mechanisms, and wherein said cable means includes first and second cables, said first cable extending between said first winch mechanism and the lowermost shaft means and including an extension for operating the jaws of a skip mounted at the mounting plate, said second cable extending from said second winch mechanism to said lowermost shaft means, and wherein control means are providing for sequentially controlling the winch means to operate the jaws of the skip and to raise and lower the lowermost shaft means to thereby carry out an excavating operation.
 36. A machine according to claim 35, wherein releasable locking means are provided for releasably locking said shaft means against relative axial movement with respect to one another, said locking means being controlled by said second cable of said elevating means.
 37. A machine according to claim 32, wherein said rotating means includes: two motors fixedly mounted on said third housing means, a first gear rotatably driven by one motor, a second gear rotatably driven by the other motor, and a third gear mounted on said first housing means for driving interengagement with said first and second gear.
 38. A machine according to claim 37, wherein the gear ratio between the first and third gears is different than the gear ratio between the second and third gears by a factor of approximately 2:1.
 39. A machine according to claim 38, wherein the second gear is drivingly connected to said other motor by way of a one-way free wheeling device.
 40. A machine according to claim 39, wherein said third gear is arranged on the inner circumference of a footstep bearing positioned between said first and third housing means. 